TLDR;
This video explores the concept of inquiring of the Lord, drawing from the example of David in the Bible. It explains what it means to inquire, why it's important, and how to do it. The key takeaways are the importance of having a personal relationship with God, seeking His guidance in decision-making, and understanding that inquiring involves raising questions, seeking answers, and asking for help through prayer. The video also provides practical steps on how to inquire of the Lord, emphasizing the need to abide in His presence and behold His beauty.
- Inquiring of the Lord involves raising questions, seeking answers, and asking for help through prayer.
- David's example shows the importance of a personal relationship with God and seeking His guidance.
- Abiding in God's presence and beholding His beauty are essential steps in inquiring of the Lord.
- The Holy Spirit within us is where we inquire of the Lord today, not in a physical temple.
Introduction: Scriptural Basis for Inquiring of the Lord [0:00]
The speaker introduces the topic by referencing three passages from the books of Samuel, which are 1st Samuel 30:7-8, 2nd Samuel 2:1, and 2nd Samuel 5:17-19. These verses illustrate instances where David inquired of the Lord for guidance. In 1st Samuel, David asks if he should pursue a troop and if he will overtake them. In 2nd Samuel, he asks where he should go. And in the last passage, David asks if he should go up against the Philistines. The common thread through these passages is the act of inquiring.
Understanding the Meaning of "Inquire" [2:12]
The speaker defines "inquire" as raising a question, investigating a matter, or interrogating something. It also means seeking answers from someone who knows, as David did, recognizing that God had the answers he needed. Additionally, inquiring involves asking or pleading for help, which includes prayer and seeking God's guidance. In essence, to inquire of the Lord means to address questions to Him, seek answers from Him, and ask for His help.
David's Example: A Life of Inquiring of the Lord [4:10]
David frequently inquired of the Lord throughout his life, seeking God's direction in his decisions. He was able to do this because he had a personal relationship with God and spent time in His presence. Unlike King Saul, who acted impulsively, David always sought God's mind, which led to his success in battles. He fought only the battles God asked him to fight and knew when not to fight, resulting in a 100% success rate. David not only knew how to ask God questions but also how to hear from Him.
The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Direct Communication with God [6:33]
In the Old Testament, people typically relied on priests and prophets for direction. While David sometimes received guidance through these sources, he also communicated directly with God. The speaker emphasizes that in the New Testament, it's even more important to know how to hear from God if we are to inquire of Him. David followed God's leading faithfully once he understood God's will.
David's Methodology: Abiding in God's Presence and Beholding His Beauty [7:36]
David's process for inquiring of the Lord is revealed in Psalm 27:4-5. It starts with desiring to dwell in the house of the Lord and seeking to behold His beauty. Abiding in God's presence was a primary pursuit for David, often going to the temple to sit before the Lord and wait on Him. The speaker stresses the importance of loving God's presence.
Seeing God's Beauty in Life's Events [10:14]
Beholding the beauty of the Lord involves recognizing God's hand in all aspects of life, even in chaos and bitterness. It means seeing how He is making all things work together for good, revealing His plan and design. The speaker encourages reflecting on one's own life to see God's beauty in various circumstances, such as family, marriage, and even difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trusting God's Will and the Sequence of Seeking Guidance [12:49]
Seeing God's beauty allows one to trust Him and seek His will, knowing that whatever He leads to will be good. David's sequence involves first abiding in God's presence, then beholding His beauty, and finally inquiring of the Lord about specific matters. This leads to God's protection and promotion, hiding us in His pavilion and setting us on a rock.
The Temple Within: Inquiring of the Lord in the New Testament [16:52]
In the Old Testament, the temple was God's dwelling place, but in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 3:16 states that we are the temple of God, and His Spirit dwells in us. Therefore, we don't need to go to a physical temple to seek God; instead, we inquire of Him within ourselves, in a state of worship, contemplation, and prayer. The Spirit of God leads us from within, sometimes without speaking, simply guiding us.
Practical Application: Four Prayer Topics to Inquire of the Lord [19:40]
The speaker provides four prayer topics to put into practice what has been learned:
- Focus on being in the presence of the Lord, acknowledging Him as our dwelling place.
- Behold the beauty of the Lord, recognizing His hand bringing everything in our lives into His perfect will.
- Ask God to lead us by His Spirit and guide us into His will.
- Inquire of the Lord by asking specific questions about what He wants us to do and where He wants us to go.
Concluding Prayer and Encouragement [29:52]
The speaker leads a concluding prayer, asking for God's guidance, wisdom, and direction. The viewers are encouraged to follow the principles discussed to inquire of the Lord, come before His presence, see His beauty, and make their inquiries, trusting that the Lord will order their steps and guide them.